In the second act we must first notice the second scene. In this the real action begins and ends. That which precedes and that which follows are connected with it like cause and effect. The Prince wrests the victory from the enemy, and earns for himself death. Then the eighth scene of this act is of the greatest importance; in it the Prince declares his love to Princess Nathalie of Orange. I am minded to count this scene among the most important dramatic achievements ever accomplished by the greatest poets of Germany. Let us picture the exposition that introduces it. A rumor has been spread abroad that the Elector has fallen in the battle. The Electress, with her ladies, is a prey to the greatest anxiety. Homburg arrives and confirms the rumor. Nathalie says:[6] "Who now will lead us in this terrible war And keep these Swedes in subjugation?-- THE PRINCE of HOMBURG (_taking her hand_). I, lady, take upon myself your cause! The Elector hoped, before the year turned tide, To see the Marches free. So be it! I Executor will be on that last will. NATHALIE. My cousin, dearest cousin! PRINCE. Nathalie! What holds the future now in store for you? NATHALIE. Oh, I am orphaned now a second time. PRINCE. Oh, friend, sweet friend, were this dark hour not given To grief, to be its own, thus would I speak: Oh, twine your branches here about this breast! NATHALIE. My dear, good cousin! PRINCE. Will you, will you?" I believe that during this love-scene, lovers will not be the only ones to find amusement, though this is the case as a rule. The tenth scene of this act is the turning point of the play. The Prince hastens to the Elector with the conquered flags, rejoicing in the victory and in the certitude that the latter still lives. The Elector commands that his sword be taken from him and orders a court martial to be convoked. Let us not overlook what this scene is in itself, through the contrasts presented. It is moreover the chief argument for the correctness of the opinion I have already expressed concerning the idea of the play. For the Prince is far from being sensible of the fault committed, and when Hohenzollern says to him, "The ordinance demands obedience," he replies bitterly: "So--so, so, so!" And later: "My cousin Frederick hopes to play the Brutus-- By God, in me he shall not find a son Who shall revere him 'neath the hangman's axe!" etc. He cannot as yet be just to the Elector, because he is still too indulgent to himself. In the first scene of the third act he has come a step nearer the truth. He calls himself a plant which has burst into bloom too swiftly and opulently. But he still says, "Come, was it such a capital offense, Two little seconds ere the order said, To have laid low the stoutness of the Swede?" The dignity of the code of war, upon which the Elector's mode of action is based, still lies too remote from his comprehension; therefore he is persuaded that: